Employee Spotlight: Sharon Addenbrooke

We’re starting off 2026 strong with a spotlight on Sharon Addenbrooke, our Finance Manager here at Publisher Collective.

Keep reading to learn about her role, how her career path in finance has evolved, and what job she’d like to try for the day.

1. Starting with your role, what does a typical day look like for you here?

This does vary quite a bit through the month!  In the first couple of weeks we are closing the previous month end so will be ensuring that all the transactions are posted and that we have received all relevant documents to ensure our records are correct.  I cover a range of tasks such as sales revenue and purchase  invoices as well as bank reconciliations and credit control.  It is quite a busy time in the department.  Later in the month the pressure eases up and the focus shifts to payroll and other payments out of the business.

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2. What’s your favourite part of your role and why?

I really enjoy the interactions I have with the wider business, I tend to go into the office on a Monday too which also adds to this.  Working in the finance team, you get to interact with people at all different levels.  I really appreciate the fact that human interactions enable problems to be solved quicker.

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3. How has your career path evolved? Was this industry always the goal or has it been a journey?

I started on a finance career path late when I realised that a career in Data management was not for me!  I self studied whilst bringing up my 2 boys then gradually started getting back into work after a long career break.  The industry was not really a target for me, I am generally drawn to any roles/companies that interest me on a personal level.  Also, a big factor is always how I connect with the people that I first meet in the interview stage - it is often a good indicator if you will connect with the culture of a place.

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4. Who or what inspires you professionally, or in general?

I am not sure if I have specific inspiration from particular people.  Generally I follow people who I have connected with in some way such as an author of a book (Kim Scott) or someone who I did a course with (Kwame Christian).  But generally my inspiration comes from the constant need to keep up to date in finance - I am constantly learning and having to adapt to things.  It keeps me on my toes and helps me keep growing to become a better version of myself.

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5. Is there a skill, habit, or mindset that’s helped you succeed in your role?

I think the willingness to adapt and evolve has helped me a lot.  I think the ability to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things is really important to develop more efficient methods of working (one person can never have all the answers).  I often attend professional events or courses that are run by my professional body (CIMA) which are sometimes technical and other times more thought provoking, and help to reframe a viewpoint I may have had.

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6. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career in your field?

People often think that being good at numbers/maths is the most important thing when starting out in finance.  I would say that enthusiasm and a curious mind will set you up well.  There are many aspects of finance that are very repetitive but also there are often challenges that may test your problem solving skills.  The technical stuff can be learnt but those key things should already be embedded in you to thrive.

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7. If you could describe your team in three words, what would they be?

Hardworking, Knowledgeable, Chatty

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8. If you could trade jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

Part of me wants to try and think of something I could do in a day that would have a positive impact on current world chaos but I don’t think there is a quick solution to that!  Instead I will go with something more fun involving my creative side - maybe teaching a craft at a show?  I recently went to one locally and participated in 3 different sessions.  Would be a nice thing to do, sharing a creative passion and meeting a group of likeminded people whilst having fun.

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9. What personal accomplishment are you most proud of?

I think passing all 15 exams to qualify as a Chartered Management Accountant, whilst raising 2 small children is probably my greatest accomplishment.  I have a great qualification and 2 fully grown children as a result of all the commitment.

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10. What would your perfect weekend look like?

A perfect weekend would involve travel, food and family.  I love experiencing new locations and cuisines.